The neurobiology of anxiety in children and adolescents

There have been a number of advances in the understanding of the neurobiology of anxiety disorders in recent years. Most of these advances have involved the study of adults, but advances have also been made in the understanding of pathologic anxiety in children. This article reviews the anatomy of normal fear and pathologic anxiety. In addition, developmental and temperamental predisposition to anxiety is also reviewed. Finally, the neurobiology of specifi'c anxiety disorders is reviewed including data from the study of children and adults.